Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 24, 2012
When we practice gongyo and chant daimoku before the Gohonzon, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence. Lives that are full of the pain of Hell, lives that are in the state of Hunger, lives warped by the state of Anger - such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, March 24, 2012
I feel great pity for you and the others, but there is little I can do to help. Nevertheless, I pray day and night to the Lotus Sutra. Spare no effort in offering up prayers with firm faith. It is not that my resolve [to save you] is weak. Rather, it depends on the strength of each person's faith.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 678
The Story of Ohashi no Taro
Written to Nonjo Tokimitsu on March 24, 1276
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The struggle we go through to have our prayers answered makes us stronger. If we were to immediately get everything we prayed for, we would become spoiled and decadent. We would lead indolent lives, devoid of any hard work or struggle. As a result, we would become shallow human beings. What, then, would be the point of faith?
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.192
Monday – a day on which I tend to lose my rhythm and feel off-balance. Since it's the first step of the week, must make a healthy start on this day. In the afternoon, a special staff conference to determine summer propagation activities. The meeting was somewhat restrained; dull. How self-serving I am. Strictly reflected that this is my greatest weak point. Then again, I am obstinate.
Highly value my great teacher, excellent seniors, fine friends and good neighbours! Must care for and respect them.
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